A government oversight official told congressional committees the Secret Service deleted the texts as a congressional probe turns its focus on the agency.
The Secret Service is facing ridicule and skepticism online for blaming a"device-replacement program" for text messages deleted shortly before the insurrection of January 6, 2021.
The Secret Service told a government watchdog it was unable to hand over potentially revealing records for technical reasons, according to a report first published Thursday by The Intercept.
The Secret Service is facing criticism for deleting text messages sought by a government watchdog. Above, a Secret Service agent stands guard as former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Prescott Regional Airport in Prescott, Arizona, on October 19, 2020.
"Second, DHS personnel have repeatedly told OIG inspectors that they were not permitted to provide records directly to OIG and that such records had to first undergo review by DHS attorneys," Cuffari wrote in the letter."This review led to weeks-long delays in OIG obtaining records and created confusion over whether all records had been produced."
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